INCHR Fact-Finding Mission Uncovers Human Rights Violations in Guinean's Military Cross-Over to Liberia

Liberia: The Independent National Commission on Human Rights (INCHR) is reporting human rights violations including displacement of citizens along the Sorlumba Border in Foya, Lofa County, following the cross-over of armed Guinean soldiers into Liberia's territory.

According to INCHR, its recent fact-finding mission conducted in collaboration with the Office of the Higher Commissioner for Human Rights ( OCHR), in the disputed border community, reveals that a good number of residents have fled the area, leaving school and business activities to decline.

The mission, led by INCHR Chairperson Cllr. Dempster T. Brown, established that the situation has led to displacement of 3,380 people, mainly women and children across 59 communities, as per preliminary data from the Liberia Refugee Repatriation and Resettlement Commission (LRRRC).

Addressing news conference on Monday, April 27, Cllr. Brown said the report found out that the presence of armed Guinean soldiers on Liberia's soil continue to instill fear in many and have breached rights of Liberian citizens residing in affected areas to education, freedom of movement and local trade.

The INCHR chief noted that farming and cross-border trade have been halted, while more than 640 children remain out of school.

“Educational activities have been suspended since February 2026, posing risks of permanent school dropout, particularly among girls".

"The presence of foreign troops and the establishment of unauthorized boundaries have significantly disrupted civilian life,” the Commission indicated.

The independent National Human Rights Commission at the same time highlighted security risks faced by residents along the disputed border region. It referenced an alleged shooting incident by Guinean soldiers at the border during the initial stage of the cross-over that led to a Liberian citizen sustaining in the leg.

The Commission through its Chairperson, Cllr. Dempster Brown, underscored that early violence at the border uncovered gaps in border security operations. Brown linked the situation to what he called poorly positioned checkpoints, logistical challenges and weak communication networks.

“These gaps create vulnerabilities that may have enabled unauthorized crossings and continue to hamper effective surveillance,” he added.

However, the Independent National Human Rights Commission has called for swift resolution efforts between Liberia and Guinea. The Commission stressed that "human rights of all persons must be respected at all times".

Tensions along the Liberia-Guinean Border in Foya, Lofa County, began early February 2026. According to reports, the Guinean Army cross-over was promoted following sand mining along the Makona River, by a local company in Liberia.

The Makona River that commonly separates both countries has been an area of contending ownership claims, especially along the river bank.